Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Cutting eucalyptus branches
• Part 2 of 3: Treating the eucalyptus plant
• Part 3 of 3: Finishing the process
• Tips

Eucalyptus is a sturdy, fragrant plant often saved for use in bouquets, wreaths and decorations. After collecting eucalyptus branches, place them in a mixture of water and vegetable glycerin. Let the branches soak up the solution for several weeks, then remove and hang to dry. After that, your eucalyptus branches are ready for use or display.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Cutting eucalyptus branches

1. Collect eucalyptus when the plant is at its best. Harvest the branches when they are at their healthiest to ensure you are keeping only the best eucalyptus. This will reduce the time and effort you have to spend later on pruning the branches.
   • There are over 700 species of eucalyptus trees and plants. So it can be difficult to know what the branches look like when they are at their best. It is not possible to generalize top condition properties.
   • For example, the species E. dundasii has shiny, green leaves throughout its life. Another species (E. caesia) only has shiny green leaves when it is young.
   • Identify the species of eucalyptus you want to preserve and consult a botanical guide to determine what the species in question looks like at its peak. Use your own judgment and preference to determine when is the best harvest time for you.
2. Do not harvest eucalyptus plants when they are moist. Avoid harvesting branches after a rain shower and early in the morning when dew may be on them. If possible, collect your eucalyptus after a few days of dry weather.
   • Harvesting moist plants can promote fungal growth and make it more difficult for the plant to absorb the glycerin, the preservative you use later.
3. Do not harvest damaged plants. Stay away from plants whose flowers are brown or drooping. Healthy eucalyptus flowers are usually white, pink or rose. Healthy eucalyptus leaves do not contain holes and have an even green color.

Part 2 of 3: Treating the eucalyptus plant

1. Create a preservation solution. To preserve eucalyptus, make a mixture of one part glycerine and two parts water. Heat the mixture until it boils or almost boils.
   • You can buy glycerin at a local craft store or DIY store.
2. Place the eucalyptus in the solution. Once your glycerin and water mixture is ready, pour the mixture into a stable, wide-bottomed vase. Place the eucalyptus branches in the vase, with the cut ends in the liquid. The liquid should cover about three inches from the eucalyptus branches.
   • To help your eucalyptus branches absorb the solution more quickly, cut the base of the branches slightly or hit them once or twice with a hammer.
3. Place your eucalyptus branches in a cool area. Place the vase with eucalyptus in a place with average humidity and a temperature of 16-24 degrees Celsius. Keep the branches out of direct sunlight while they absorb the preservative solution.
   • Top up the liquid in the vase as needed, as some of it will evaporate over time.

Part 3 of 3: Finishing the process

1. Allow enough time for your eucalyptus plant to absorb the solution. Your eucalyptus branches should probably be in the preservative solution for about four weeks. However, the exact amount of time it takes for the branches to fully absorb the glycerin can vary from three days to six weeks, depending on the size of the branches.
   • Larger branches take longer to absorb the glycerine than smaller branches.
2. Look for black or gold colored leaves. Once you have placed the eucalyptus in a suitable spot, the branches will need some time to absorb the solution. The branches can be removed from the glycerine solution when they change color to black or gold, depending on the species. When all the leaves have changed color, you can remove the plant.
   • Depending on the eucalyptus, the plant may not turn black or gold. Experiment with how long it takes to preserve the eucalyptus in the solution.
3. Remove the eucalyptus branches from the vase. Cut the stems of the branches so far that the parts that were in the liquid have been removed. Wipe off any excess liquid that is still on the stems.
   • If you plan to preserve more eucalyptus, or other plants, in the near future, put the preservative solution in the refrigerator for reuse. If not, throw it away.
4. Dry the eucalyptus. Place the branches in a warm, sunny and dry place with good air circulation. After three to five days, hang the eucalyptus branches upside down from the stems in a warm, dry and dark room. After two to three weeks, your eucalyptus should be ready to use.
   • If you don't plan to use your eucalyptus right away, store the branches in a dry, cool, and dark area.

Tips

• To clean preserved eucalyptus branches, take them outside and gently spray them with a garden hose. Hang upside down to dry and reposition when dry.
• Your preserved eucalyptus will last the longest in a cool, dry environment.
• Use your preserved eucalyptus for wreaths, garlands, and pressed floral art. You can also simply place the eucalyptus in a vase and place it somewhere in your house as a decorative element.